Joy Kirkwood was taught a very traditional way of making art.
The East Coast native studied at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, "where I got a very strong grounding in the classical arts," she says.
But it wasn't until she moved to Calgary in 1980 when her eyes were opened up to a whole new way of creating.
There, Kirkwood took Chinese brush painting lessons with a Hong Kong artist who instructed her on eastern methods. "I was beginning to realize there were a lot more fronts to check out," she says.
And, over time, Kirkwood began to bring the two influences together.
Next week, Kirkwood will talk about her art journey - as well as the process she uses today - at a daytime event called Art for Lunch at Place des Arts, which has employed Kirkwood for the past four years.
Known for her mixed media figurative art dolls, Kirkwood will speak specifically about her "artless" approach.
As she explains it, "art" is defined by human effort to imitate, supplement, alter or counteract the work of nature. By contrast, "artless" is free of artificiality, unaffected, natural and simple.
"Sometimes, it's seen as lacking skill but it's also honest," Kirkwood says, adding, "I want to hold the two in balance where you have the skills but you also have the heart or excitement."
She relates a story about hearing a scientist talk about his discovery but then giggled; the moment brought a sense of tenderness to the lecture. "You never, ever want to lose you giggle when you're creating. You could put 'artless' down to the giggle."
Art for Lunch with Joy Kirkwood is on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at noon at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). The cost is $5 and attendees are asked to bring a bagged lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided. Call 604-664-1636 or visit placedesarts.ca.
@jwarrenTC
